In pipeline engineering, the internal lining of a pipe serves as the first line of defence against corrosion, abrasion, and chemical attack, which is one of the effective solutions for protecting thin linings. While carbon steel pipe provides strength and durability, its vulnerability to internal corrosion makes linings essential, especially when handling aggressive fluids. However, a major weakness arises at the pipe joints, where welding is required. The heat generated during welding can degrade or destroy the thin lining, leaving the joint area exposed to damage and reducing the pipeline’s overall integrity.
Historically, this issue has forced project owners to choose between flanged mechanical joints, which avoid welding heat but are expensive and leak-prone, or unlined joints that compromise long-term protection. Fortunately, Lined Pipe Systems (LPS) has developed a suite of innovative joint technologies that offer effective solutions for protecting thin linings.
FlexSleeve®: Versatile Protection for Thin Linings
Flexible by Design
FlexSleeve® is engineered to adapt to pipe tolerances. Its thin-gauge construction allows easy insertion, while its flexible structure ensures uniform sealing, even in out-of-round pipes. This makes it a prime solution for protecting thin linings during pipeline construction.
Heat Resistance that Preserves Linings
The wider sleeve profile and integrated insulation reduce heat transfer during welding. This ensures the thin linings remain intact, eliminating the need for post-weld repairs or workarounds. It stands out among the top solutions for protecting thin linings against weld-induced damage.
Seamless Integration with Automatic Welding
FlexSleeve® is compatible with internal lineup clamps and automated welding equipment, making it ideal for modern, high-volume pipeline installations. Contractors benefit from faster weld fit-ups and consistent results in the field while ensuring solutions for protecting thin linings are implemented effectively.
CCB® Sleeve: Trusted Reliability for Smaller Diameters
A Legacy of Proven Performance
With over 25 years of success, the CCB® Sleeve is one of the original patented technologies in internal weld sleeves. It has protected hundreds of thousands of joints across diverse industries, proving its role as a leading solution for protecting thin linings in pipelines under 12″.
Ideal for Pipes 12” and Smaller
The CCB® sleeve is optimized for smaller diameter pipelines. Its tapered profile ensures tight sealing, allows pig passage, and minimizes head loss—critical for operational efficiency and another example of effective solutions for protecting thin linings.
Market-Leading Seal Integrity
Known for its superior sealing performance, the CCB® Sleeve provides unmatched corrosion resistance at the weld zone. It’s a field-proven solution for protecting thin linings in complex operating environments.
SealSleeve™: Enabling Welded Joints for Rubber & PU Linings
A Breakthrough in Slurry Transport
Rubber and polyurethane linings are ideal for abrasion resistance but traditionally could not be welded. SealSleeve™ changes that by enabling full penetration welds while maintaining lining continuity—an important advancement in solutions for protecting thin linings.
Built-In Lining & Heat Insulation
SealSleeve™ uses the same polymer as the pipe lining and features integrated insulation that isolates the weld zone. This ensures no burn-through or exposure occurs at the joint, making it a robust solution for protecting thin linings in slurry pipelines.
Eliminating Mechanical Joints
SealSleeve™ removes the need for expensive, leak-prone mechanical fittings. This makes rubber-lined pipelines more cost-effective and practical—especially for high-pressure or long-distance slurry systems, where solutions for protecting thin linings are critical.
Key Benefits for Mining and Industrial Projects
Field-friendly and fast to install, SealSleeve™ supports field bends, tie-ins, and quick adjustments. It’s the go-to solution for protecting thin linings in pipelines transporting tailings, concentrate slurry, and other abrasive materials.
SealSleeve™ for Thermoplastic Liners
Plastic Liner Compatibility
SealSleeve™ supports thermoplastic liners, using a proprietary locking method that seats the liner firmly and maintains pressure sealing. It is a highly adaptable solution for protecting thin linings made of thermoplastics.
Rapid Construction, High Pressure Ready
The system supports fast installation on offshore vessels or field tie-ins and withstands the same pressure as the steel pipe—making it a leading solution for protecting thin linings under high-pressure applications.
NDE and Weld Integrity
Because the weld is made with standard carbon steel practices, non-destructive evaluation (NDE) remains feasible. This ensures both joint strength and inspection compliance, while fulfilling the need for solutions for protecting thin linings.
Compatibility with a Broad Range of Linings
Polyurethane Linings
Aromatic and thermoplastic polyurethanes provide excellent abrasion resistance, elongation, and chemical resilience. LPS sleeves allow these linings to remain continuous and protected even at the joint, offering dependable solutions for protecting thin linings.
Rubber Linings
Natural and synthetic rubber offer exceptional flexibility, adhesion, and abrasion resistance. They are ideal for pipelines facing thermal cycling or high wear environments. LPS systems provide reliable solutions for protecting thin linings in such conditions.
Epoxies and Polyamides
Fusion-bonded, novolac, and phenolic epoxies are common in water systems and offer chemical and heat resistance. Nylon linings provide added flexibility and resistance to moisture and hydrocarbons, and all benefit from LPS solutions for protecting thin linings.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE offers a rugged, impermeable lining option with very low water permeability. LPS sleeves ensure even this thick lining can remain sealed and protected through the weld zone, another strong solution for protecting thin linings.
Common Industry Applications for Thin Lining Protection
Oil & Gas
Produced water, sour gas, and chemically aggressive fluids require robust internal protection. LPS joint technologies ensure full corrosion protection without sacrificing weld integrity, serving as key solutions for protecting thin linings in oil and gas.
Mining
Tailing slurries, ore concentrate, and leach solutions are highly abrasive. LPS sleeves enable rubber and polyurethane-lined pipelines to operate leak-free and with minimal maintenance, proving to be effective solutions for protecting thin linings.
Water Infrastructure
Seawater injection, desalinated water, and municipal wastewater are corrosive to carbon steel. LPS solutions allow epoxy- or plastic-lined pipelines to be built using standard welding—saving time and cost while protecting thin linings.
Transforming Pipeline Construction Methods
Strength of Welded Joints
Welded joints are stronger than mechanical fittings and eliminate the risk of leakage. With LPS technology, there’s no need to choose between strength and lining continuity—you get both, along with proven solutions for protecting thin linings.
Faster, More Reliable Construction
LPS sleeves speed up lined pipeline construction, reduce delays, and lower costs. Whether offshore or onshore, they streamline the process without compromising quality, while effectively protecting thin linings.
Compatibility with Existing Practices
LPS solutions integrate easily with standard field welding practices and inspection protocols. There’s no need for specialized skills, equipment, or expensive pre-fabrication. It’s practical, scalable, and a key part of the industry’s best solutions for protecting thin linings.
Why Choose Lined Pipe Systems?
Proven, Patented Technologies
FlexSleeve®, CCB® Sleeve, and SealSleeve™ represent decades of innovation and real-world testing. Engineers have used these patented systems in some of the most demanding projects worldwide, consistently delivering top-tier protection for thin linings.
Industry-Leading Protection
By preserving lining continuity across every joint, LPS enables you to use cost-effective carbon steel pipe with high-performance linings maximizing both performance and ROI, while implementing the best solutions for protecting thin linings.
End-to-End Pipeline Integrity
From pipe end to pipe end, every weld remains sealed, protected, and secure. With LPS, it’s what’s on the inside that counts, especially when it comes to solutions for protecting thin linings.
Ready to Protect Your Next Pipeline Project?
Lined Pipe Systems has redefined how internally lined pipelines are constructed. With our patented welded joint systems, you can maintain lining integrity, reduce installation time, and ensure long-term performance.
Contact us today to learn which LPS solution for protecting thin linings is right for your project.